Fabric reinforcing machine



Oct. 22, 1940. B. HEILMAN FABRIC REINFORCING MACHINE Filed June 8, 1939ll Sheets-Sheet 2 @CL 22, 1940. B. HElLMAN 2,218,749

' FABRIC REINFORCING MACHINE Filed June 8, 1959 1l Sheets-Sheet 3mvENToR. [32P/70rd /76/7/770/7 BY @HM ATTORNEYS Od. 22, 1940. B. HExLMANFABRIC l REINFORCING MACHINE '11 sheets-sheet 4 Filled June a, 1939 M lOm E \7 ,..L.. l.:. m.. l NX 0 Q 11 M ww Q s 5 ma .@WN @i A .lum P 1lSheets-Sheet 5 Q' Ra n ...mw .N m a S Q H mau m I I II a I @WM B.HEILMAN FABRIC REINFORCING MACHINE Filed June 8, 1959 m I I M. I I I I WI QQ WQ Q Oct. 22, 1940.

'Oct' 22, 1940. B HElLMAN FABRIC REINFORCING MACHINE 11 Sheets-Sheet 6Filed June 8, 1939 INVENTOR. BY A /ef/ad #ef/man M10 .Q-QW

, y A o NEYS UJJ Oct. 22, 1940. B. HEILMAN' l FABRIC REINFORCING MACHINEFiled June 8, 1939 l1 Sheets-Sheet 7 u UF@ I MMM!! Q Q 3W IN YENTOR.erwafd /e/ 0770/7 ATTORNEYS OC- 22, 1940 B. HExLMAN 2,218,749

FABRIC REINFORCING MACHINE Filed June 8, 1959 1l Sheets-Sheet 8 INVENTOR. fiar/70rd f///fm/ ATTORNEYS Oct. 22, 1940. B, HElLMAN FABRICREINFORCING MACHINE 11 Sheets-Sheet 9 JFiled June 8, 1939 INVENTOR.

Oct. 22, 1940. B. HEILMAN FABRIC REINFORCING MACHINE 11 sheets-sheet 1oFiled June 8, 1959 ATTORNEYS Oct. 22, 1940. B. HEILMAN FABRICREINFORCING MACHINE Filed June 8, 1959 l1 Sheets-Sheet l1 IN VENTOR.15g-7rd #ef/man I A AZORNEYS Patented Oct. 22, 1940 UNITED STATES FABRICREINFORC'ING MACHINE Bernard Heilman, Detroit, Mich., assignor to L. A.Young Spring & Wire Corporation, Detroit,

Mich.

Application June 8, 1939, Serial No. 278,021

48 Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in fabric reinforcing machine.

The main objects of this invention are:

First, to provide a machine for producing reinforcing fabric especiallydesigned for use in mattresses, automobile cushion and back structures,furniture cushions, and the like.

Second, to provide a machine which enables the production of a veryuniform product at a rapid rate.

Third, to provide a machine in which the reinforcing strands of wire arerove or woven through the fabric with a minimum of injury to the fabric.

Fourth, to provide a machine in which the reinforcing strands are woventhrough the fabric in uniformly spaced parallel relation and also passedthrough the fabric at uniformly spaced points transversely thereof.

2 Fifth, to provide a machine which automatically introduces thereinforcing strands and also connects the ends of the several strands.

Sixth, to provide a machine of this character which requires a minimumof manual attention and labor.

Objects pertaining to details and economies of my invention willdefinitely appear from the description to follow. The invention isdefined in the claims.

A structure which embodies the features of my invention is clearlyillustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a fragmentary side elevation of a machine embodying thefeatures of my invention with the work shown in operative relationtherein.

Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic view illustrating the cycle of movements of themachine.

Fig. 3 is a series of views designated A, B, C and D illustratingsuccessive steps in the forming of the fabric to receive the reinforcingstrands, the fabric being shown only in view A and views being sectionedat different positions, the first position being on line 3-3 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary view with parts of Fig. 1longitudinally sectioned and parts removed, illustrating details of thewire feed mechanism.

Fig. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary plan view illustrating the positioningof the fabric to receive the strands and the manner of inserting orweaving the wire strands therethrough.

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary View in section on line 55 6-6 of Figs. 5 and 7.

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary view in transverse section on line 1-1 of Figs.5 and 7.

Fig. 8 is a fragmentary view partially in section on line 8-8 of Fig. 5.

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary view showing further 5 details of the wire feedmechanism partially in section on line 9-9 of Fig. 12.

Fig. 10 is an enlarged fragmentary view in,y section on line lll- I0 ofFig. 9 showing still further details of the wire feed mechanism. 10

Fig. 11 is a fragmentary section of certain parts shown in Fig. 10illustrating another position thereof.

Fig. l2 is a fragmentary plan view partially sectioned and broken awayshowing details of an automatic stop means for the machine in the eventof certain undesirable conditions.

Fig. 13 is a fragmentary horizontal section on line I3--l3 of Fig. 'Ishowing further details of perforating the fabric and the feeding of thestrands or wires through the perforations.

Fig; 14 is a fragmentary view in section on line l4-I4 of Fig. 6 showingtiming means `and details o-f the feed mechanism for advancing thefabric to perforating and strand receiving position with a step by stepmovement.

Fig. 15 i-s a fragmentary perspective view showing further details ofthe fabric feed mechanism.

Fig. 16 is a fragmentary view partially in horizontal section on lineIii-I6 of Fig. 17 showing certain of the details of the knotting ortying( means for connecting the ends of the strands.

Fig. 17 is a fragmentary view partially in section on line ll-H of Fig.19 showing further details of the knotting or tying means.

Fig. 18 is a fragmentary view in section on line l8-I8 of Figs. 17 and19.

Fig. 19 is a fragmentary view in partial section on line I9-I9 of Fig.18.

Fig. 20 is a fragmentary planI view o-f the delivery end of the machineshowing the means for spreading or extending the fabric.

Fig. 21 is a fragmentary view sectioned on line 2l-2I of Fig. 20 showingdetails of this fabric spreading means.

Fig. 22 is a fragmentary View sectioned on line 22-22 of Fig. 20 showingthe position of the work as it is partially spread and advanced toI thefinal spreading mechanism.

Fig. 23 is a fragmentary view partially in section illustrating detailsof the driving means for the knotter or tying means'.

Fig. 24 is a fragmentary view illustrating details of the drive meansfor the rewind work arbor.

Fig. 25 is a detail view partially in section on line 25--25 of Fig. 24.

Fig. 26 is' a fragmentary perspective View showing the nished work asproduced on the machine of the preceding igures.

Fig. 27 is a fragmentary perspective View of the wire elementsindependent of the fabric. The machine may be used for producing areinforcing unit such as shown in this' figure.

Fig. 28 is a fragmentary view partially in section of a slightlymodified structure in which the coils of the strand arms are formedaround a mandrel as distinguished from wrapping directly around thestrands as shown in Figs. 26 and 27, this modification being used whenit is desire'd to have a loose or free connection between the strands.

Fig. 29 is a fragmentary perspective view of the work produced with themodification of Fig. 28 embodied in the machine.

The machine of the accompanying drawings is especially designed for themanufacture or production of reinforced fabric disclosed in the WilliamsPatent No. 2,099,586, issued November 16, 1937. My machine and method,however, may be readily adapted for the production of various otherreinforced fabrics and if desired certain portions of the machine may beoperated manually independently of other portions; that is, the strandweaving portions may be operated independently of the knotting or tyingportions, or modified forms of knotting or tying mechanisms may be usedwith the strand weaving mechanism, and vice versa.

The machine illustrated is a complete unit and automatic in itsoperation. In the accompanying drawings I represents the main pedestalor base of the machine having front and rear extensionsl 2 and 3, theseextensions being provided with supporting legs 4. It will be understoodthat the frame is designed for the proper support of the various partsof the apparatus.

The main driving shaft 5 may be driven from any suitable source of powerbut in the embodiment illustrated is driven from the motor 6, the motorshaft 1 of which is connected to the shaft 5 through the gears 8 and 9,see Figs. 1 and 4. The fabric indicated at I is supplied to the machinefrom a roll II supported on the arbor I2. When the article produced isdesigned for use in automobile cushions this fabric may be of burlap,although other fabrics are used, depending on the particular use forwhich the product is intended.

The fabric web passes from the roll II over the roll I2 and under theroll I3 from which it passes over the guide plate I4 to a device forgathering the web into uniform pleats as a preliminary to weaving thewire strands therethrough. These wire strands I5 are inserted throughholes I6 formed by a needle or awl I'I in the pleated fabric as shown inFig. 13. It will be understood that the pleating mechanism is interposedbetween the guide member I4 and the feed rolls I8 which, as shown inFig. 13, engage opposed sides of the pleated web, drawing the webthrough the pleating device and assisting in advancing it to theperforating and strand feeding mechanism, although it should be borne inmind that there are other instrumentalities which act to feed the webwhich will appear as the description proceeds.

The plating mechanism comprises the bed plate I9 having longitudinaliins or blades 20 thereon arranged in stepped relation, the centralblade or fin 2I being at the front end of the bed plate I9. The frontends of the blades at each side thereof are stepped as shown for theupper blades 22, see Figs. 1, 3 and 5. The upper blades 22 are carriedby a top plate or support 23 which is pivoted at 24 at its forward end,its rear end being suspended by the chain 25 connected to theoverhanging bracket 26. The chain has an adjustable connection 21 to thebracket. This enables the raising and lowering of the upper tuckerblades relative to the lower tucker blades for the purpose of threadingup the machine and also to regulate the width of the pleats.

The web passes from these pleating elements described to a gatheringdevice, see Fig. 5, consisting of the rearwardly converging guideelements 28 and the side guide plates 29. The front ends of these guideelements 28 are alined with the rear ends of the pleating elements 20 sothat the elements 28 are received within the pleats or folds. The pleatsare brought together and pass into the opposed guides 30 which form thethroat of the pleating means. The pleated web passes from the members 28on to the supporting plate 3| which is shown in Fig. 5.

At the rear of the throat of the pleating means the pleated collapsedweb is engaged by the feed rollers I8 and advanced to the perforatingmeans which comprises the awl or needle I1 and a pair of perforatedsupports 32 through which the awl reciprocates, see Fig. 13. This awl isfurther supported by the guide 33. These feed rolls are carried by theslides 34 which are yieldingly urged toward each other by means of thecoiled springs 35, the tension of the springs being adjusted by means ofthe screws 36 which carry thrust members 31 for the springs. The springsare arranged in bores 38 provided therefor in the slides, see Fig. 14.Lock nuts 38 are providedy for securing the screws in their adjustedpositions.

In threading up the machine it is of advantage to retract these rollers.The rollers are shown in retracted position by full lines in Fig. 13 andin advanced or operative position by dotted lines. This retracting meanscomprises the manually or hand operated lever 40 arranged through anopening 4I in the arm 42 which is secured to the under side of one ofthe slides. This arm 42 is connected to a lever 43 which is in turnconnected to the arm 44 on the other slide, see Figs. 5 and 14. The arm42 is provided with an abutment 45 threaded for adjustment, see Fig. 14,to limit the closing movement of the rollers. It will be understood,however, that this is not designed to function when the machine is inoperation, that is, the rollers are permitted to clampingly engage theopposite sides of the pleated web.

By reference to Figs. 20, 26 and 29 it will be noted that thereinforcing strands do not extend to the edges of the fabric but thatthere are preferably flaps or aprons 46 along each edge. To preventbinding or clogging of the machine the guide members 29 are spaced fromthe members 28 and the supporting plate 3I to provide slots 41 whichpermit these apron or edge portions 46 to travel forwardly in adepending position. It will be noted that these members 41 extend to theguide members 30 which are spaced from the extensions 49 of the members3| to provide @Ontinuations of the slots 41. At the with the ratchets bythe coiled springs 55.

rear of the feed rollers a similar bed member 50 is provided spaced fromthe members 32 to provide continuations of the slots 41. These feedrollers are intermittently rotated to advance the pleated web step bystep, the actuating means comprising the rockers 5|, see Fig. 14,carrying the pawls 52 coacting with the ratchet wheels 53 on thevertical shafts 54 of the feed rollers. The pawls are held yieldingly inengagement The rockers 'are' urged against the rollers 56 on theplungers 51 by means of the coiled springs 58. The plungers 51 areslidably supported in the supports. The plungers are actuated by thecams 59 on the shaft 5, see Figs. 8 and 14. Springs 60 are provided tohold the rollers 6| on the plungers against these cams.

With each feed stroke of the pleated web the awl |1 is actuated to formthe strand receiving holes I6 and this awl is actuated While the web isat rest. The means for actuating the awl is best illustrated in Fig. 9.The needle or awl is carried by the reciprocating rod 62 carried by theslide 53, the push rod or slide being mounted in suitable bearings 64and 65 coacting with the bearing 33 in supporting and guiding theseparts. The slide B3 is provided with a roller 66 which coacts with astepped cam 01 on the shaft 68. The spring 09 arranged between thebearings 64 and the end of the slide retracts the needle and holds itagainst the cam 61. The cam 51 is stepped or has a plurality ofauxiliary lifts in order to force the needle through the pleated fabricwith a step by step motion. To force the needle or awl through theseveral plies, which are quite compacted at the point of perforation,requires a considerable amount of force if pushed through by a singleimpulse, but by delivering a series of impulses it is found that the awlpenetrates these stacked up plies much more readily.

The shaft 68 is provided with a gear 88 which is in turn driven from thegear 10 on the shaft 1| which is on the wire feed roll shafts. The shaft88 is provided with a beveled gear 12 which meshes with a coacting gear13 on the jack or auxiliary shaft 14 connected by the gears 15 and 16 tothe main shaft 5, see Fig. 4. As stated, the cam 61 is timed so that theawl is retracted when the feeding step takes place.

At the rear of the piercing or hole forming station the strands |5 arefed through the holes or perforations i6 in the pleats of the web. Thesestrands are fed by the feeding rollers 80 and 8| (Fig. 9) from a coil orbale of material, not illustrated. The wires or strands l5 are fedthrough av series of guide members 82, 83 and slots 84 in the members30, see Fig. '1. Cutters are provided at each end of the strand, theshear blocks 85 being positioned above the reciprocating cutters 88.Coiled springs 81 retract these cutters and they are actuated by thearms 88 on the shaft 89. The arms are provided with rollers 90 coactingwith cams 9| on the shaft 5, see Figs. 6 and 8. The advanced ends of thewire or strands I5 are cut olf so that all of the strands are of uniformlength.

As the strands are fed through the pleats as described, they are alsofed into notch-like recesses 92 in the flights 93 of the conveyordesignated generally by the numeral 94. The

flights are articulated by the links 95. The conveyor comprises twochains or two series of articulated iiights supported by sprocket wheelsThe upper reaches of these conveyor' which have rib-like portions 99engaging slot-like recesses in the sides of the flight members. Thisinsures that the flight members shall be carried along in a steadyuniform position on the rearward travel and while carrying the reinforcestrands. This conveyor is also driven with a step by step movementproperly synchronized with the punching strand feeding operations. Cams98 lift the wire strands from the flights at the end of the conveyingoperation.

The rear sprockets 91 are fixed to the shaft |0| which is provided witha ratchet wheel |02. The pawl |03 on the rocker arm |04 coacts with thisratchet Wheel and drives the conveyor step by step. The rocker arm |04is actuated by the cam on the main shaft 5. The cam is adjustablysecured on a hub or flange |06 on the shaft 5 by means of the bolts |01which are engaged in segmental slots |08 in the cam. The purpose of thisadjustment is to secure accurate register of the conveyor flightrecess-es with the feeding position of the strands. The wire feed iscontrolled so that it is interrupted for suitable periods to provideunreinforced border portions for each unit.

It will be understood that a length of the web is passed through themachine and then is cut up into the desired sections or lengths for theparticular use, and to that end the feeding or' the wire is interruptedat suitable intervals providing unreinforced spaces |09, see Fig. 20,the weby being cut centrally of this space to provide the reinforcedunits. It is desirable to vary the length of this unreinforced section|09 in accordance with the particular requirements for which the unitsare designed. This feeding is controlled by controlling the raising andlowering of the feed roll 8|.

The bearing ||0 for the shaft of the roller 8| is pivoted at H2. Theswinging end of the shaft is also supported by vertical guides ||3.Driving pressure is applied through the lever ||4 which is pivoted atI5, the lever being connected by the adjustable link ||6 to the rockerarm ||1, see Figs. 4 and 9. The rocker arm is actuated by the cam ||8 onthe slide H9. This slide is actuated under certain conditions by theplunger |20 which is in turn actuated from the cam |2| on the shaft 14,Fig. 4. The operating connection for the plunger |20 to the cam slide I9comprises the dog |22 pivoted at |23 on the plunger to coact with akeeper or tappet |24 on the cam slide or carriage. A lost motionconnection is provided between the plunger |20 and this cam slide orcarriage consisting of the slotted arm |25 receiving the pin |26 on theslide. When the dog |22 -is in inoperative position the plunger canreciprocate without actuating the wire control slide but when the dog|22 isy in engaged position the slide and the plungers operate as aunit. The spring |21 urges the dog to engaged position.

The cam member 8 is adjustably secured to the slide carriage 9 by meansof the bolts |28 engaging the slots |29 inthe cam. The cam coacts with aroller |30 on the rocker ||1 and a spring |3| holds the roller againstthe cam. The dog |22 is disengaged and held in its disengaged positionby the trip |32 (Fig. 4) which is actuated by the toothed segment |33.The segment |33 isV adjustably connected to the ratchet wheel |34 Vonthe shaft |35, the connection being through the bolts |36 and segmental`slots |31. The ratchet wheel is driven from the pavvl |38 carried bytherocker |39 on the shaft, this rocker being connected by the adjustablelink |40 to the pivoted arm |4| provided with a roller |42 coacting witha cam |43 on the shaft 5. An adjustable stop |44 is provided for the arm|4|, the spring |45 acting to hold the roller |42 against the cam. Oneach actuation of the rocker member |39 the pawl |38, which is held intoengagement with the ratchet wheel by the spring |46, moves the sprocketone step, and the feed roller is intermittently operated through the camslide which has been described.

When the desired number of strands have been woven into the webV as hasbeen described, the trip or tappet |32 is actuated by the teeth |41 ofthe segment |33 to lift the dog |22 sufficiently so that it passes overthe keeper |24 on the slide and, therefore, the slide is in effectdisconnected from the plunger |20, the slide being then in the positionshown in Fig. 11. The number of teeth on the segment |33 corresponds tothe width or space |09 which it is desired to leave without thereinforcing strand. If a narrower or wider space is desired a segmenthaving the desired number of teeth is employed to obtain the result.

The strands having been inserted through the pleated fabric the nextstep in the embodiment illustrated is to provide means for joiningadjacent strands in hinged relation and also to prevent their withdrawalfrom the fabric. As the strands are carried rearwardly of the machineor, properly speaking, advanced through the machine, their projectingends are successively brought into engagement with the bending cams |48,see Fig. 16. These bending cams are disposed at the outer sides of theconveyor so that as the strands are advanced while held in the slots 92of the conveyor flights the ends |49 of the strands are bentsubstantially at right angles and into transverse overlying relation tothe succeeding strand. These laterally bent ends 49 are then knotted orcoiled about the succeeding strand at |50. The knotters or coilersconsist of the reciprocating members |5| which have elongated pins |52at their outer ends driven from the racks |53 with which the pinionshave sliding engagement. The knotter members |5| have axial holes |54 attheir inner ends receiving the projecting ends of the strand aroundwhich the coils or knots |50 are formed, and carry an eccentric stud |55which, when the knetter is in its advanced position, engages the endportions |49 so that when the knotters are rotated the knots or coils|50 are formed.

The knotter members are axially reciprocated in their bearings |56 and|51 in proper timed relation to the actuation of the conveyor by meansof the levers |58 which are pivoted at |59 and provided with rollers |60coacting with the cam |6| on the shaft 5. It will be noted that the lift|62 of the cam |6| is on the side of the cam and to partially sustainthe thrust the cam |6| is grooved at |63 to receive a support |64projecting into the groove. The lever |58 is held against its actuatingcam |6| by means of the coiled spring |65, see Fig. 8.

The levers |58 are forked and provided with opposed adjustable thrustmembers |14 which engage the arms |15 on the collar |16 carried by theknotter. To take the curve or the tendency for outward bulge out of thearms |49 I provide pressing or impact members |11 which are slidablymounted as shown in Fig. 16 in position to be engaged by the adjustabletappets |18. The coiled springs |19 retract these hammers or pressermembers |11, the stops limiting their rearward movement.

During the knotting operation the strands are firmly held in therecesses in the flights by means of presser feet or blocks |8| supportedin the brackets |82 for vertical movement and urged yieldingly downwardby the adjustable screws |83 acting upon. these presser foot membersthrough the spring |84. The outer sides of the flights are preferablycut away at |85 in opposed relation to the presser members |11 so thatclearance is provided to permit the desired degree of deiiection, asshown in Fig. 19, to insure that the arms 49 will not bow or springoutwardly.

To guide the arms into proper position for the tying or knottingoperation the bending cams |48 are provided with cammed recesses |86(Figs 18 and 19) which deflect the arms upwardly as indicated by dottedlines in Fig. 18, thereby insuring that they will take an overlyingposition relative to the succeeding strand and be properly positionedfor the knotting operation.

To rotate the knotter in proper timed relation to its advancement to thework, its actuating rack 53 is reciprocated from the slide |88 having aroller |89 against the actuating cam |90 on the shaft 5. The spring |9|returns the rack and holds the roller against the cam.

After the knotting step the web is spread out or attened and nallydelivered to the winding mandrel or arbor |92. To accomplish this theguide members |93 have rearwardly diverging portions |94 at their rearends and extending into operative relation to the rearwardly divergingspreaders |95 which are supported above the path of travel of the web bymeans of the overhanging cross pieces |96, |91, Figs. 20 and 22. Thesespreaders tend not only to diverge but they are forwardly tapered andthey tend to iron out or spread the pleats. At the rear of the spreadersI provide pairs of oppositely inclined toothed spreader wheels |98carried by the brackets |99 adjustably mounted on the frame, the purposeof this adjustment being to insure that the spreaders will engage thefabric between the portions of the strands exposed on the top of thefabric, see Fig. 20. As stated, the spreader wheels are disposed instepped relation, that is, the rst set serves to spread the centralportion of the web, as shown in Fig. 21, and to flatten the pleatsthereof. The second set engages and flattens the next pleats, and so on,so that the reinforced web is delivered to the arbor |92. This arbor isdriven with a step by step movement synchronized with the other steps ofthe machine.

The work is further advanced through the machine by means of thefriction feed rolls 200 and 20|, see Figs. 1 and 24. The lower roll 20|is a supporting roll and the upper roll 200 is driven with a step bystep movement, its shaft 202 being provided with a ratchet wheel 203driven by the pawl 204 on the rocker 205 pivoted on the shaft 202. Thepawl is urged into engaging position by means of the spring 206. Therocker 205 is actuated through the link or connecting rod 201 connectedto the lever 208 pivoted at 209 and provided with a roller 2|0 coactingwith the cam 2| l adjustably mounted on the shaft 5. The spring 2|2holds the roller 2|0 against the cam. The cam adjustment is effected bythe bolts 2|3 engaging the segmental slots 2|4. This permits therotative adjustment of the cam to secure proper timing.

The lower roll 20| is supported in a vertical bearing box 2|5 slidablein the support 216 and adjustable by means of the screws 2 I 1, see Fig.24. The rewind shaft I 92 is driven through the shaft 202 by means ofthe sprocket chain 2|8 coacting with the sprocket 2|9 on the auxiliaryor stub shaft 220, this sprocket having a frictional driving connectionindicated at 22| with the gear 222 meshing with the gear 223 on theshaft |92, see Figs. 24 and 25. This arrangement provides for a slipdriving means for the rewind shaft which is desirable because of theincrease in diameter of the rewound roll resulting from the rewinding.

The friction driving means is regulated by means of the spring 225 andthe adjusting nut 226. The object is to provide a driving connectionthat will insure the reinforced fabric being wound reasonably tight uponthe arbor |92.

In order that the reinforcing strands may be eifectively guided as theyare advanced through the folded fabric as shown in Fig. 7, the strandreceiving grooves of the guides are a fairly close fit. It is necessary,however, that these guides be lifted to permit the strands to be movedrearwardly by the .conveyor and this movement is also synchronized withthe other movements. Guides 82 are provided with vertical arms 221 towhich the arms 228 on the rockshaft 229 are connected. These arms 228are made up of sections 23|) and 23|, the sections 230 being adjustablein the sections 23|. This enables the proper positioning of the guides.The rockshaft 229 has an arm 232 provided with a roller 233 coactingwith the cam 234 on the shaft 5.

To prevent clogging of the machine by the feeding of kinked wire orstrands therethrough, I provide an automatic stop. Should the wire orreinforcing strand become kinked as indicated at 235 it will actuate theslidably mounted switch actuating member 236 (Fig. 12) to engage orstrike the switch member 231, bringing it into circuit closing positionrelative to the switch member 238, see Figs. 9 and 12. The electricalconnections for these switch members to the motor 6 are not illustrated.The spring 239 normally holds the switch actuating member 236 inretracted position, the wire passing freely therethrough unless, asstated, it should be kinked or distorted to such an extent that it islikely to clog the machine or result in an imperfect product.

In the embodiment of my invention described the coil or tie is formedabout the strand as a mandrel. However, it is sometimes desirable tohave a looser connection and in that event I provide the coiler orknotter means with -a tubular mandrel 240 projecting sufliciently sothat the wire is wrapped around it. To assist in guiding or positioningthe strand to enter the bore 240 I provide a pivoted guide 24| notchedat 242 to receive the strand and hold it yieldingly in guiding positionby means of the coiled spring 243. As the coiler or knotter member I|moves forwardly or is advanced to operative position this guide memberis swung upwardly as indicated by dotted lines in Fig. 28, the springreturning it to guiding or operative position as the member I5| isretracted.

In Fig. 2 I have diagrammatically illustrated the cycle of operations,particularly as to the matter of the operations from the fabric piercingand wire or strand feeding steps to the final or rewinding operation. Itis believed that this will be of assistance in following the operationof the machine.

In the operation of the embodiment of my invention illustrated andhereinbefore described the web of fabric, burlap for example, isintroduced into the machine in the form of a roll and is led oversuitable guides to the pleat forming and pleat collapsing mechanism, thefirst pleat forming instrumentalities being the bed plate I9 having thelongitudinally disposed blades or fins 20 and 2| thereon which arearranged in stepped relation so that the fabric is gradually drawn infrom the center as the pleats are formed. The upper blades 22 coact withthese lower blades in forming the pleats.

As the web travels along the pleats formed by these pleating elementsare carried into a gathering device which consists of the rearwardlyconverging guide elements 28 and side guide plates 29, see Fig. 5. Theside plates converge to direct the pleats between the compressingrollers I8 which act as a feed means and advance the collapsed pleats tothe perforating means. 'I'his consists of the awl or needle I1reciprocating through the perforated supports 32, the awl being furthersupported by the guide 33. Inasmuch as considerable dimculty isexperienced in forcing the awl through the collapsed pleat, the awl isactuated with a step by step movement or a series of impulses which isfound to cause it to effectively penetrate the collapsed pleats.

Following the perforating step the reinforcing strands are introducedone by one and their ends are successively bent to form the tie membersand knotted or tied around the succeeding strands. This perhaps is bestillustrated in Figs. 16 to 19, inclusive.

After the strand connecting operation the web of fabric is advanced andgradually spread upon the strands until the fabric lies flat, in whichcondition i-t is passed to the winding roll, the winding roll beingdriven so that it acts to assist in feeding or carrying the web throughthe machine. The spreading mechanism consists of the diverging spreaderbars or members |95 at the rear of which are pairs of toothed spreaderwheels which engage the fabric and tend to draw out the pleats andflatten or stretch the fabric on the strands, see Figs. 20, 21 and 22,so that the rein" forced web is delivered in flat condition to theWinding roll or spindle.

I have illustrated and described my invention in an embodiment which iseicient both in the quality of work produced and the output or capacity.I have not attempted to illustrate various modifications and embodimentswhich are within the range or scope of my invention as it is believedthis disclosure will enable the adaptation thereof as may be desired.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new and desire tosecure by Letters Patent is:

1. In a machine of the class described, the combination with supportingmeans for a web of fabric, of spaced longitudinally disposed pleatingblades arranged with their forward ends in rearwardly stepped relationrelative to the central pair of blades, the upper edges of said bladesbeing forwardly inclined, a plurality of coacting tucker blades arrangedbetween said pleating blades in rearwardly stepped relation relative tothe central tucker blade, the lower edges of the front portions of saidtucker blades being upwardly inclined, a vertically adjustable supportfor said tucker blades, converging pleat guide members disposed at therear of said pleating blades and adapted to guide the pleats into sideby side collapsed relation, there being a space at the sides of saidconverging guide members to permit edge portions of the fabric to dependtherethrough, coacting feed rollers adapted to engage the sides of thecollapsed pleats, means for intermittently actuating said rolelrswhereby the fabric is advanced with a step by step movement, a laterallyreciprocating awl disposed at the rear of said feed rolls and actuatedin timed relation thereto, means for feeding strands of wire throughsuch perforations while the pleats are collapsed, means for successivelyconnecting the ends of the strands, and means for opening or spreadingthe pleats after the strands are introduced and connected.

2. In a machine of the class described, the combination with supportingmeans for a web of fabric, of spaced longitudinally disposed pleatingblades arranged with their forward ends in rearwardly stepped relationrelative to the central pair of blades, a plurality of coacting tuckerblades arranged between said pleating blades in rearwardly steppedrelation relative to the central tucker blade, converging pleat guidemembers disposed at the rear of said pleating blades and adapted toguide the pleats into side by side collapsed relation, there being aspace at the sides of said converging guide members to permit edgeportions of the fabric to depend therethrough, coacting feed rollersadapted to engage the sides of the collapsed pleats, means forintermittently actuating said rollers whereby the fabric is advancedwith a step by step movement, a laterally reciprocating awl disposed atthe rear of said feed rolls and actuated in timed relation thereto,means for feeding strands of wire through such perforations while thepleats are collapsed, means for successively connecting the endsI of thestrands, and means for opening or spreading the pleats after the strandsare introduced and connected.

3. In a machine of the class described, the combination with supportingmeans for a web of fabric of spaced longitudinally disposed pleatingblades arranged with their forward ends in rearwardly stepped relationrelative to the central pair of blades, a plurality of coacting tuckerblades arranged between said pleating blades in rearwardly steppedrelation relative to the central tucker blade, converging pleat guidemembers disposed at the rear of said pleating blades and adapted toguide the pleats into side by side collapsed relation, there being aspace at the sides of said converging guide members to permit edgeportionsl of the fabric to depend therethrough, coacting feed rollersadapted to engage the sides of the collapsed pleats, means forintermittently actuating said rollers whereby the fabric is advancedwith a step by step movement, a laterally reciprocating awl disposed atthe rear of said feed rolls and actuated in timed relation thereto,means for feeding strands of wire through such perforations while thepleats are collapsed, and means for opening or spreading the pleatsafter the strands are introduced.

4. In a machine of the class described, the combination with suportingmeans for a web of fabric, of spaced longitudinally disposed pleatingblades arranged with their forward ends in rearwardly stepped relationrelative to the central pair of blades, a plurality of coacting tuckerblades arranged between said pleating blades in rearwardly steppedrelation relative to the central tucker blade, converging pleat guidemembers disposed at the rear of said pleating blades and adapted toguide the pleats into side by side collapsed relation, coacting feedrollers adapted to engage the sides of the collapsed pleats, means forintermittently actuating said rollers whereby the fabric is advancedwith a step by step movement, a laterally reciprocating awl disposed atthe rear of said feed rolls and actuated in timed relation thereto, andmeans for feeding strands of wire through such perforations while thepleats are collapsed. I

5. In a machine of the class described, the combination with supportingmeans for a web of fabric, of spaced longitudinally disposed pleatingblades arranged with their forward ends in rearwardly stepped relationrelative to the central pair of blades, the upper `edges of said bladesbeing forwardly inclined, a plurality of coacting tucker blades arrangedbetween said pleating blades in rearwardly stepped relation relative tothe central tucker blade, the lower edges of the front portions of saidtucker blades being upwardly inclined, a vertically adjustable supportfor said tucker blades, means for collapsing the pleats into side byside relation, coacting feed rollers adapted to engage the sides of thecollapsed pleats, means for intermittently actuating said rollerswhereby the fabric is advanced with a step by step movement, a laterallyreciprocating awl disposed at the rear of said feed rolls and actuatedin timed relation thereto, and means for feeding strands of wire throughsuch perforations while the pleats are collapsed.

6. In a machine of the class described, the combination with supportingmeans for a web of fabric, of spaced longitudinally disposed pleatingblades arranged with their forward ends in rearwardly stepped relationrelative to the central pair of blades, a plurality of coacting tuckerblades arranged between said pleating blades in rearwardly steppedrelation relative to the central tucker blade, means for collapsing thepleats into side by side relation, coacting feed rollers adapted toengage the sides of the collapsed pleats, means for intermittentlyactuating said rollers whereby the fabric is advanced with a step bystep movement, a laterally reciprocating awl disposed at the rear ofsaid feed rolls and actuated in timed relation thereto, and means forfeeding strands of wire through such perforations while the pleats arecollapsed.

7. In a machine of the class described, the combination with supportingmeans for a web of fabric, of spaced longitudinally disposed pleatingblades arranged with their forward ends in rearwardly stepped relationrelative to the central pair of blades, a plurality of coacting tuckerblades arranged between said pleating blades in rearwardly steppedrelation relative to the central tucker blade, means for collapsing thepleats into side by side relation, coacting feed rollers adapted toengage the sides of the collapsed pleats, means for intermittentlyactuating said rollers whereby the fabric is advanced with a step bystep movement, a laterally reciprocating awl disposed at the rear ofsaid feed rolls and actuated in timed relation thereto, means forfeeding strands of wire thro-ugh such perforations while the pleats arecollapsed, means for successively connecting the ends of the strands,and means for opening or spreading the pleats after the strands areintroduced and connected.

8. In a machine of the class described, the combination Awith means forforming a plurality of longitudinal pleats in a web of fabric, means forcollapsing the pleats side by side, a pair of intermittently actingcoacting feed rollers engaging the sides of the collapsed pleats, alaterally reciprocating awl disposed at the rear of said feed rolls andactuated in timed relation thereto, means for feeding wire strand stockthrough the perforations while the pleats are collapsed, means forsevering a strand and simultaneously cutting on its advanced end,vertically reciprocating guide members for the strands, a conveyorcomprising conveyor chains provided with nights having transverserecesses therein receiving the strands as they are fed through saidguide members and said perforations, supporting ways for the upperreaches of said conveyor chains, means for actuating said conveyor intimed relation with the strand feeding means, bending members disposedat the sides of the path of travel of the conveyor to successivelyengage the ends of the strands as they are advanced by the conveyor andform arms thereon in angular relation to the strands, said bendingmembers being provided with guiding recesses whereby the arms of thestrands are directed to an overlying relation to the succeeding strands,knotter members mounted for axial and rotative movement at the sides ofthe conveyor and provided with axial holes receiving the strands aroundwhich the arms are to be wrapped and with lugs engaging the ends of thearms to wrap them around the strand projecting into the knotter, andmeans at the rear of the knotters for opening the pleats and spreadingthe fabric on said strands.

9. In a machine of the class described, the combination with means forforming a plurality of longitudinal pleats in a web of fabric, means forcollapsing the pleats side by side, a laterally reciprocating awl, meansfor feeding wire strand stock through the perforations While the pleatsare collapsed, means for severing a strand and simultaneously cuttingoff its advanced end, vertically reciprocating guide members for thestrands, a conveyor comprising conveyor chains provided with flightshaving transverse recesses therein receiving the strands as they are fedthrough said guide members and said perforations, supporting ways forthe upper reaches of said conveyor chains, means for actuating saidconveyor in timed relation with the strand feeding means, bendingmembers disposed at the sides of the path of travel of the conveyor tosuccessively engage the ends of the strands as they are advanced by theconveyor and form arms thereon in angular relation to the strands, saidbending members being provided with guiding recesses whereby the arms ofthe strands are directed to an overlying relation to the succeedingstrand, knotter members mounted for axial and rotative movement at thesides of the conveyor and provided with axial holes receiving thestrands around which the arms are to be wrapped and with lugs engagingthe ends of the arms to wrap them around the strand projecting into theknotter, and means atv the rear of the knotter for opening the pleatsand spreading the fabric on said strands.

10. In a machine of the class described, the combination with means forforming a plurality of longitudinal pleats in a web of fabric, means forcollapsing the pleats side by side, a laterally reciprocating awl, meansfor feeding wire strand stock through the perforations while the pleatsare collapsed, means for severing a strand and simultaneously cuttingofi: its advanced end, vertically reciprocating guide members for thestrands, a conveyor comprising conveyor chains provided with nightshaving transverse recesses therein receiving the strands as they are fedthrough said guide members and said perforations, supporting ways forthe upper reaches of said conveyor chains, means for actuating saidconveyor in timed relation with the strand feeding means, bendingmembers disposed at the sides of the path of travel of the conveyor tosuccessively engage the ends of the strands as they are advanced by theconveyor and form arms thereon in angular relation to the strands, saidbending members being provided with guiding recesses whereby the arms ofthe strands are directed toran overlying relation to the succeedingstrand, knotter members mounted for axial and rotative movement at thesides of the conveyor and provided with axial holes receiving thestrands around which the arms are to be wrapped and with lugs engagingthe ends of the arms to Wrap them around the strand projecting into theknotter, plungers disposed at the sides of the conveyor to successivelyengage the strand arms as they are advanced, said conveyor nightsconstituting anvils to support the strands when engaged by saidplungers, and means at the rear of the knotters for opening the pleatsand spreading the fabric on said strands.

11. In a machine of the class described, the combination with means forforming a plurality of longitudinal pleats in a web of fabric, means forcollapsing the pleats side by side, means for feeding strands throughthe collapsed pleats, vertically reciprocating guide members for thestrands, a conveyor comprising conveyor chains provided with nightshaving transverse recesses therein receiving the strands as they are fedthrough said guide members and said perforations, means for actuatingsaid conveyor in timed relation with the strand feeding means, bendingmembers disposed at the sides of the path of travel of the conveyor tosuccessively engage the ends of the strands as they are advanced andform arms thereon in angular relation to the strands, and position themtransversely of a succeeding strand, knotter members mounted for axialand rotative movement at the sides of the conveyor and provided withaxial holes receiving the strands around which the arms are to bewrapped and with lugs engaging the ends of the arms to wrap them aroundthe strand projecting into the knotter, and plungers disposed at thesides of the conveyor to successively engage the strand arms as they areadvanced, said conveyor nights constituting anvils to support thestrands when engaged by said plungers.

12. In a machine of the class described, the combination with means forforming a plurality of longitudinal pleats in a web of fabric, means forcollapsing the pleats side by side, means for feeding strands throughthe collapsed pleats, vertically reciprocating guide members for thestrands, a conveyor comprising conveyor chains provided with nightshaving transverse recesses therein receiving the strands as they are fedthrough said guide members and said perforations, means for actuatingsaid conveyor in timed relation with the strand feeding means, bendingmembers disposed at the sides of the path of travel of the conveyor tosuccessively engage the ends of the strands as they are advanced andform arms thereon in angular relation to the strands and position themtransversely of a succeeding strand, and knotter members mounted foraxial and rotative movement at the sides of the conveyor and providedwith axial holes receiving the strands around which the arms are to beWrapped and with lugs engaging the ends of the arms to Wrap them aroundthe strand projecting into the knotter.

13. In a machine of the class described, the combination with means forforming a plurality of longitudinal pleats in a web of fabric, means forcollapsing the pleats side by side, means for feeding strands throughthe collapsed pleats, vertically reciprocating guide members for thestrands, a conveyor comprising conveyor chains provided with flightshaving transverse recesses therein receiving the strands as they are fedthrough said guide members and said perforations, means for actuatingsaid conveyor in timed relation with the strand feeding means, bendingmembers disposed at the sides of the path of travel of the conveyor tosuccessively engage the ends of the strands as they are advanced andform arms thereon in angular relation to the strands and position themtransversely of a succeeding strand, knotter members mounted for axialand rotative movement at the sides of the conveyor and provided withaxial holes receiving the strands around Which the arms are to beWrapped and with lugs engaging the ends of the arms to wrap them aroundthe strand projecting into the knotter, and means at the rear of theknotters for opening the pleats and spreading the fabric on saidstrands.

14. In a machine of the class described, the combination with means forforming a plurality of longitudinal pleats in a web of fabric, means forcollapsing the pleats side by side, means for perforating the pleats atregularly spaced intervals, means for feeding reinforcing strandsthrough the perforations while the pleats are collapsed, a conveyorprovided With strand receiving recesses to which the strands aredelivered as tney are fed through the said perforations, means foractuating the conveyor in timed relation With the strand feeding means,bending members disposed at the sides of the path of travel of theconveyor successively engaging the ends of the strands as they areadvanced by the conveyor and positioning them transversely across thesucceeding strand, knotter members disposed at the sides of the conveyorfor axial and rotative movement, said knotter members being adapted toreceive and support the ends of the strand alined therewith and Wrap thearms of the preceding strand around the said alined strand, means actingon the arms after the knotting thereof to impart a set thereto, andmeans at the rear of the knotters for opening the pleats and spreadingthe fabric on the strands.

15. In a machine of the class described, the combination with means forforming a plurality of longitudinal pleats in a web of fabric, means forcollapsing the pleats side by side, means for perforating the pleats atregularly spaced intervals, means for feeding reinforcing strandsthrough the perforations While the pleats are collapsed, a conveyorprovided with strand receiving recesses to which the strands aredelivered as they are fed through the said perforations, means foractuating the conveyor in timed relation with the strand feeding means,bending members disposed at the sides of the path of travel of theconveyor successively engaging the ends of the strands as they areadvanced by the conveyor and positioning them transversely across thesucceeding strand, knotter members disposed at the sides of the conveyorfor aXial and rotative movement, said knotter members being adapted toreceive and support the ends of the strand alined therewith and Wrap thearms of the preceding strand around the said alined strand, and means atthe rear of the knotters for opening the pleats and spreading the fabricon the strands.

16. In a machine of the class described, the combination with means forforming a plurality of longitudinal pleats in a web of fabric, means forcollapsing the pleats side by side, means for feeding reinforcingstrands through the collapsed pleats, a conveyor provided with strandreceiving recesses to which the pleats are delivered as they are fedthrough the said perforations, means for actuating the conveyor in timedrelation with the strand feeding means, bending members disposed at thesides of the path of travel of the conveyor successively engaging theends of the strands as they are advanced by the conveyor and positioningthem transversely across the succeeding strand, knotter members disposedat the sides of the conveyor for axial and rotative movement, saidknotter members being adapted to receive and support the ends of thestrand alined therewith and Wrap the arms of the preceding strand aroundthe said alined strand, and means at the rear of the knotters foropening the pleats and spreading the fabric on the strands.

17. In a machine of the class described, the combination with means forforming a plurality of longitudinal pleats in a Web of fabric, means forcollapsing the pleats side by side, means for feeding reinforcingstrands through the collapsed pleats, a conveyor provided with strandreceiving recesses to which the pleats ar-e delivered as they are fedthrough the said perforaticns, means for actuating the conveyor in timedrelation with the strand feeding means, bending members disposed at thesides of the path of travel of the conveyor successively engaging theends of the strands as they are advanced by the conveyor and positioningthem transverely across the succeeding strand, and knotter membersdisposed at the sides of the conveyor for axial and rotative movement,said knotter members being adapted to receive and support the ends ofthe strand alined therewith and wrap the arms of the preceding strandaround the said alined strand.

18. In a machine of the class described, the combination with means forforming a plurality of longitudinal pleats in a Web of fabric, means forcollapsing the pleats side by side, means for perforating the pleats atregularly spaced intervals, means for feeding reinforcing strandsthrough the perfora-tions while the pleats are collapsed, a conveyorprovided With strand receiving recesses to which the pleats aredelivered as they are fed through the said perforations, means foractuating the conveyor in timed relation with the strand feeding means,and means for opening the pleats and spreading the fabric on thestrands.

19. In a machine of the class described, the combination with pleatingmeans for forming a plurality of pleats in a WebI of fabric as thefabric is advanced, means for collapsing the pleats side by side, meansfor perforating the collapsed pleats at regularly spaced intervals,means for feeding reinforcing strands through the perforations While thepleats are collapsed, automatic means for connecting the ends of thestrands as they are advanced, variable means for interrupting theperforating means and strand feeding means for predetermined periodswhereby the web is provided with spaced groups of strands, and means foropening the pleats and spreading the fabric on the strands.

20. In a machine of the class described, the combination with pleatingmeans for forming a plurality of pleats in a web of fabric as the fabricis advanced, means for collapsing the pleats side by side, means forperforating the collapsed pleats at regularly spaced intervals, meansfor feeding reinforcing strands through the perforations while thepleats are collapsed, automatic means for connecting the ends of thestrands as they are advanced, and variable means for interrupting theperforating meansI and strand feeding means for predetermined periodswhereby the web is provided with spaced groups of strands.

21. In a machine of the class described, the combination with pleatingmeans for forming a plurality of pleats in a web of fabric as the fabricis advanced, means for collapsing the pleats side by side, means forfeeding reinforcing strands through the pleats while they are collapsed,automatic means for connecting the ends of the strands as they areadvanced, variable means for interrupting the strand feeding means forpredetermined periods whereby the web is provided with spaced groups ofstrands, and means for opening the pleats and spreading the fabric onthe strands.

22. In a machine of the class described, the combination with pleatingmeans for forming a plurality of pleats in a web of fabric as the fabricis advanced, means for collapsing the pleats side by side, means forfeeding reinforcing strands through the pleats while they are collapsed,automatic means for connecting the ends of the strands as they areadvanced, and variable means for interrupting the strand feeding meansfor predetermined periods whereby the web is provided with spaced groupsof strands.

23. In a machine of the class described, the combination with means forforming a plurality of longitudinal pleats in a web of fabric as thefabric is advanced, of means for collapsing the;v pleats side by side,means for feeding reinforcing strands through the pleats while they arecollapsed, means for connecting the ends of the strands, and means foropening the pleats and spreading the web upon the strands comprisingrearwardly diverging side guide members, a plurality of rearwardlydiverging forwardly tapered pleat opening bars adapted to enter theupwardly opening folds of the pleats, toothed spreader wheels arrangedin opposed pairs and in outwardly inclined stepped relation to engagethe upper side of the web as it is advanced thereunder, said wheelsbeing supported for independent adjustment laterally of the web, arewinding arbor, and friction driving means for said rewinding arbor.

24. In a machine of the class described, the combination with means forforming a plurality of longitudinal pleats in a web of fabric as thefabric is advanced, of means for collapsing the pleats side by side,means for feeding reinforcing strands through the pleats while they arecollapsed, means for connecting the ends of the strands, and means foropening the pleats and spreading the webupon the strands comprisingrearwardly diverging side guide members, a plurality of rearwardlydiverging forwardly tapered pleat opening bars adapted to enter theupwardly opening folds of the pleats, and toothed spreader wheelsarranged in opposed pairs and in out-.-

wardly inclined stepped relation to Aengage the upper side of the web asit is advanced thereunder.

25. In a machine of the class described, the combination with means forforming a plurality of longitudinal pleats in a web of fabric as the,fabric is advanced, of means for collapsing the pleats side by side asthe fabric is advanced, means for feeding reinforcing strands throughthe pleats while they are collapsed, means for connecting the ends ofthe strands as they are successively positioned through the pleats, andmeans for opening the pleats and spreading the web upon the strands asthe fabric is advanced.

26. In a machine of the class described,l the combination with means forforming a plurality of longitudinal pleats in a web of fabric as thefabric is' advanced, of means for collapsing the pleats side by side,means for feeding reinforcing strands through the pleats while they arecollapsed, and means for opening the pleats and spreading the web uponthe strands comprising rearwardly diverging side guide members, aplurality of rearwardly diverging forwardly tapered pleat opening barsadapted to enter the upwardly opening folds of the pleats, and toothedspreader wheels arranged in opposed pairs and in outwardly inclinedstepped relation to engage the upper side of the web as it is advancedthereunder.

27. In a machine of the class described, the combination with means forforming a plurality of longitudinal pleats in a web of fabric as thefabric is advanced, of means for collapsing the pleats side by side,means for feeding reinforcing strands through the pleats while they arecollapsed, and means for opening the pleats and spreading the web uponthe strands comprising toothed spreader Wheels arranged in opposed pairsand in outwardly inclined stepped relation to engage the upper side ofthe web as it is advanced thereunder.

28. In a machine of the class described, the combination with means forforming a plurality of longitudinal pleats in a web of fabric as thefabric is advanced, of means' for collapsing the pleats side by side asthe fabric is advanced, means for feeding reinforcing strands throughthe pleats while they are collapsed, and means for opening the pleatsand spreading the web upon the strands comprising rearwardly divergingside guide members, and a plurality of rearwardly diverging forwardlytapered pleat opening bars adapted to enter the upwardly opening foldsof the pleats.

29. In a machine of the class described, the combination with means forpleating fabric and collapsing the pleats side by side, of means foradvancing the fabric while the pleats are so collapsed step by step, anawl for perforating the collapsed pleats reciprocatingly mounted at theside of the path of travel of the collapsed pleats,

' and means for actuating the awl with a series of impulses comprising acam the lift of which is provided with a plurality of secondary steppedlifts with reverse curves between them.

3G. In a machine of the class described, the combination with means forpleating fabric and collapsing the pleats side by side, of means foradvancing the fabric while the pleats are so collapsed step by step, anawl for perforating the collapsed pleats reciprocatingly mounted at theside of the path of travel of the collapsed pleats, and means foractuating the awl with a series of impulses comprising a cam the lift ofwhich is

